By Isle of Wight Observer
Orchard House care centre on Fairlee Road, in Newport, has been rated ‘inadequate’ overall, after it was downgraded from ‘good’, following a Care Quality Commission assessment carried out in early February, with inspectors finding shortfalls in safety, effectiveness, and leadership.
According to the website, typical weekly fees at Orchard House start at £1,639 or more than £85,000 a year, with higher fees due for those with more challenging care needs, such as dementia.
The visit was prompted by concerns about care quality, risk management, and staff culture, and found multiple regulatory breaches. Inspectors reported that care was not consistently tailored to residents’ needs, with incomplete or inaccurate care plans, and staff not always responding appropriately to distress or changes in condition. The report states that “people’s dignity and comfort were not always maintained”, and that some were left with unmet personal care needs.
Safety concerns were also recorded. Environmental hazards, poor infection control, and unsafe medicines management were identified. In one instance, inspectors found the medicines room unlocked during an out‑of‑hours visit, with the cupboard open and a trolley left unattended. Inspectors observed people entering others’ rooms unsupervised, placing vulnerable residents at risk.
Sixteen staff told inspectors they felt short‑staffed, and training gaps were found.
While some relatives praised staff as “supportive and helpful”, inspectors concluded that inconsistent care and weak oversight meant residents’ needs were not reliably met.
Neil Cox, from CQC, said: “Inspectors saw residents left exposed and undignified with their clothing displaced in communal areas, people calling out in distress who were ignored or met with dismissive responses. One person had written ‘HELP’ on their bedroom wall and told inspectors they were frightened.
“Residents weren’t always getting enough food and fluids. One person told our inspectors they were hungry and thirsty, and records showed they’d received less than half the recommended fluid intake they required. Another person lost nearly three kilograms [6.6lbs] over four months.
“Safety systems that should have protected people weren’t working. Safeguarding concerns weren’t always reported to the local authority, and we raised those issues directly with them after the inspection. Medicines were left unsecured, and emergency documents didn’t always accurately reflect people’s allergies, which could have led to serious harm.”
The provider has been asked to produce an action plan addressing urgent improvements in person‑centred care, dignity, consent, and staffing.
